Winter Backpacking and Hiking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail- 4 days, 3 nights

[@OUTDOORS55]

Great trip! Those duplexes look soo nice. And gotta love the pa rocks! Ending was nice👌 Love it👍

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, they're really phenomenal. I've been toying with a triplex for the fam but that'd be quite the investment and with the kids mixing with ultralight gear.....meh. And thanks.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Nice big group. I think it’s nice that so many KZbinrs are getting group hikes together recently. The fires at the shelters looked awesome. Lots of different weather on this trip!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea it was super varied weather. Actually made it difficult to plan for clothing and bags/quilts.

[@AnyDayNow360]

More cowbell, lol! This was a great video, good production and it was fun following you around. Gonna check out some more videos--thanks for sharing, Tim!

[@spijkerpoes]

Good company, nice country that isn't boring in any way! Enjoyed you report, thanks for taking us along. ?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Really enjoyed this edit, Tim! Getting psyched for the summer! Also, those shorts Jason has. 💯 😁

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! I'm betting you meant Gary. Yes, he plans on going shorter on the AT. 😂I had fun editing this one. For trips I never know how the video is going to end up with my style of filming and editing.

[@jasonwish-]

Finally found the time to finish watching your vid....loved it and can't wait to get there myself! Glad the knee wasn't too bad and hope it has fully healed :)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yup knee was fine with a few days of rest. I definitely want to hit this area up in winter again!

[@payakadventures]

Jason Wish check out the Laurel Highlands Ultra race. Sounds like something you might be interested in.

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

Very nice!! Fantastic adventure!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks guys! :)

[@cryptoaviators3902]

great to see you and Frozen out together,,,, follow both your channels closely,,, will have to look up the other fellas too

[@Fleursdelis9]

Loved watching! The song was inspiring. Thanks for that.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks and you're welcome. I've added those to the end of a few of my videos for a while. Lots more people noticed this time. :)

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

That did look like a perfect winter hike. You looked like some kind of superhero with the balaclava on. Superhanger!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea it worked out really well. lol @ that superhero name. I gotta think of one now.

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Cool adventure Tim! Love winter backpacking. Hope your knee is okay. Thanks for sharing.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Knee is good. Couple of days rest and all is well. Thank God. It was a fun trip indeed. Nice to finally get out there.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Looks like it was a nice trip in a good area to hike in. Good job getting out there for a taste of the cold weather! Looks like you had some good company too! Nice video!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

A trip that was well worth it.

[@markschiltz8954]

Great video, really was struck by the hymn at the end, just beautiful...

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks alot Mark. I've done this a couple times before but glad quite a few people caught it this time. One of my favorites during tough times.The backstory is tremendous.

[@tomwillard7251]

Thanks for sharing! That’s a great trail and I haven’t hiked there since I lived in Pittsburgh 20 years ago. Good to see you going to the ground! Hehe.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! The fireplaces were too good to pass up. It's a trail I'll revisit for sure.

[@potatothorn]

i saw frozen's vid of this trip, Awesome to see yours as well.. Nice Fire in that shelter, that's the way to do winter camping!! the ski crossing is really fun.. so many nice scenes and views, super sharp video!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! It was a fun trip!

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

Awesome winter camping my friend! That looked like an amazing trip...

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks, it was a fun time!

[@richyoung4051]

15:05 i honestly thought for a split second gary was taking a piss 😂😂😂

[@patclair9555]

Nice trip. I've done a couple winter overnights up there, one in seriously deep snow and an overnight down to 5*. The solitude was wonderful. Cooked filet mignon over the fire for breakfast. Hah! kept watching and my 5* Filet morning was at Grindle Ridge. Right in that very fireplace.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Oooh. I'm jealous. I'm still waiting for a winter storm to coincide with the dates of one of our trips. This winter has been kind of meh though so far. A few days here and there but nothing that matched up with planned dates.

[@Sleeves]

Wow! That was an amazing winter hike with some cool guys. There is something special about being out in the snow. The hiking is so much harder. Everything is harder when your hands are frozen. Good choice on not using the frozen water filter. That fire was nice during the night. I trust your gear all held up nicely. Cool indeed! Enjoyed seeing the hammock and tent setups. Glad you guys didn’t get run over by a skier. Don’t think I have ever hiked over a turnpike, ski slopes, and a shooting range all in the same trip! Cool! Thanks for sharing your hike. Be careful of those rocks. Take care and have a great week.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Sleeves! Looking forward to following your journey.

[@JerryDugan]

For all your videos I watch, I'm surprised I was not already a Subscriber. Well, I fixed that. THanks for sharing your trips, tips, and tricks.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha, welcome! Thanks for making it official. :)

[@73FORGE]

Your a beast dude! That’s a lot of mileage especially in the snow, beautiful area! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha, the others are the beasts! They probably were fine going further faster. It sure was pretty that first day. Cold though.

[@shanghaichic]

Awesome video Tim! Stay strong and be blessed brother!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@traildog_adventures]

Glad you enjoyed my stomping grounds

[@Cochise231]

That is a beautiful hymn Thank you for sharing God Bless you & yours

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! One of my favorites.

[@Saltydoginthedesert]

Awesome video! Discovered your channel from Outdoor Adventures. Great filming and entertaining! Keep up the good work and enjoying those trails!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! This was a fun trip.

[@buttybach8308]

Looks amazing Bach. Love the whoop! Lucky man keep it up

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@JuliusToltesi]

Great hike. So many different areas. Great setups.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks it was a fun trip.

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Looked like a great trip and a cool hike Tim! I really enjoyed the video! I have always enjoyed being in the woods in snow. Everything looks so different, but looks like it melted off as the trip went on. Thanks for sharing!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Chris!

[@LeeRalph100]

Nice area! A lot of difference in scenery and a lot of weather changes as well. That makes for an interesting hike. That fire at the first shelter looked awesome. Thanks for the info on the different gear for those of us that are wanting to step up or change our gear. Thanks for another great video.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, the weather made planning a treat. Such a swing in temps.

[@trailbeaneradventures5581]

Great video amigo. And the song at the end, awesome! Catch you on the trail.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@padude131]

Nice video Tim! Welcome to PA. That is one beautiful trail anytime of the year. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

I did indeed. I used to live in Western NY (5 minutes from the PA border) so I'm familiar with that area but my first time truly hiking in it.

[@FredArd1954]

Enjoyed the video of this outing, Tim. Great group and a beautiful trail.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks and yes it was a fun time in a beautiful area.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great video. That’s a lot of hiking miles in the snow. Very impressive. Cool to see you guys doing a group trip.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

The first day was probably the toughest. I'd have brought the shoe grips if I'd expected that much snow. Lots of slipping!

[@Traveler_Greg]

Nice video. Beautiful winter scenery. Beautiful trail. Greetings and thumbs up. Greg.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Greg!

[@bretthikez6567]

Props on that fire man..the sunrise was pretty cool also..hope you enjoyed PA....

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

That fire was all Alex. I just tossed wood on. PA was awesome. I'll be back.

[@bretthikez6567]

Nothing wrong with staying warm on someone else's labor..lol..glad you all had a killer time..happy hiking man

[@davidschmude]

Really cool video, Tim. (Bad pun intended). I've followed Frozen's videos for quite some time. It's really neat to watch his video, then watch yours from the same place, but different perspective. Hike on, my friend !!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks David! I like how different our videos are. When we first started I wasn't sure how having three people filming was going to work out. We all just told separate stories. :)

[@davidschmude]

Tim - I just found out this morning that you're gonna be at Oil Creek with Josh Ebersole weekend after next. I think myself and my campin' buddy, Chris, are hoping for that weekend, too. We're kind of watching the weather at this point. We are shooting for camping at least once a month in 2018 and that weekend is our last chance as we are "glamour" camping with the Boy Scouts this weekend coming up. Maybe we'll meet then. I've never met a celebrity before.

[@josephboyett992]

Enjoyed the video and that hymn is a favorite of mine as well. Thanks for sharing it!!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Looks like a successful trip... The winter here in Southern California not so successful... Enjoyed watching, new sub.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks and welcome! Really enjoyed that first day.

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

20:14 You look like a very very sneaky ninja! 😂 That trail has its challenges... never experienced knee pain until the LHHT! Looks like you guys had a blast!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

We had a good time, lots of laughs. Now if I can just make an Ohio meetup happen.

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

Great trip Tim. Snow at the start of the hiked was awesome! haha, I think you said awesome 5011 times. Definitely looks like a place I'd like to visit sometime. I can't wait to get out on the trail, life has been throwing me a few curve balls lately! Hope your family is done with the bugs and nice and healthy now.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol, I did say awesome alot in the beginning. Hopefully you can get back out there two and those curve balls slow down or go away.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Awesome video I have been anxiously awaiting this one after seeing the live feed. I can’t believe you went back to the uncivilized ground dwelling! lol

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! The hammock night was way better of course. The fire was the big motivator. It won't happen often that's for sure.

[@stowe18]

Great vid Tim- really enjoyed watching your perspective on that trip! Would love to winter hike that trail.. I’ve skied 7 springs many times, but never hiked it. Btw- nice touch at the end- enjoyed listening.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks man! It was a good trip. Maybe next winter? I'd do a section again.

[@thomaszabel1521]

Loved your piece in Frozen's video of the trip. I predict Oscar nomination for you and the poop trowel!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Haha!!

[@BackpackingBen]

Great trip report Tim. It's looks like you guys had a great time and Gary kept his shirt on!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Good to see you back around Ben. It was a good trip for sure.

[@BackpackingBen]

Tim Watson - Thanks man, I was without a editing computer for awhile. I'm back, just trying to figure out some videos to produce.

[@astrog8tr]

Fun video watching you guys on your trip. OTOH, don't think I would enjoy the sleeping in a tent (hammock) in the winter, but i do like the fires.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, the fires were a big draw. Sleeping in the hammock in the winter wasn't bad, especially with it being a warm night.

[@JayWandersOut]

That camouflage fit in really well with that terrain. Hope your knee heals up nice and quickly.

[@meerkat1726]

His tarp almost disappeared on the background looking out from the shelter. It is an awesome pattern.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, that camo is awesome. Knee is fine. Pretty much back to normal after a couple days. Glad I didn't do anything bad to it.

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Great video ... nice to see all of you together!! I enjoyed the live chat on that hike as well. Aren't those PA shelter sites nice??!! Really enjoyed your song at the end. Just found out my youngest daughter I often pack/video with has stage 4 terminal cancer about 3 weeks ago and may have only a year. So thankful our precious Lord does indeed take our hand and lead us on. Give that family of yours lots of hugs and kisses. There are no guarantees. But God is faithful!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

My heart breaks to hear that. I am so sorry. I love that we have faith to help us through times like these ones but that is not an easy thing. I pray you will have strength for whatever lies ahead.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

mrdonelsonglhs I just read your post. I’ll be praying for your daughter and your family. I’ll be praying for Jesus healing hands on her.

[@patclair9555]

Grace and Peace be your and her companions on the road ahead of you. He will be beside you; Lean on Him.

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

pat clair Thanks Pat. Appreciate your encouragement.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Can you send me an email mrdonel? [e-mail].

[@paulhodge855]

Amen! Amen! Sing it brother.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

:)

[@p-mac5969]

I recently camped in 6 degrees F. Katadyn befree filters are great especially for cold weather camping, if the filter freezes just warm us some water, put it in the bladder and shake it for a few seconds and you will be back to regular water flow. Happy trails!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Once the filter freezes it's compromised. 😔 (www.katadyn.com/downloads/katadyn/manuals/filters/manual_befree_usa_en.pdf). Section 2 under Warnings.

[@p-mac5969]

Tim Watson WOW i had no idea. Thats what I get for not reading the entire manual. I guess ive been dodging a bullet because ive kept using it after it had frozen haha. Thanks for the help, ill have to grab a new one.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

I'll take being lucky any day. 😀 Glad you've had some good sources. I know one guy who under boiled water ONE time and got giardia. Now that's a bad time! 🤭

[@p-mac5969]

Tim Watson I’ll be sure to be more safe and not as ignorant. I’m a new sub and I really appreciate the replies. Looking forward to your next vid.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

No worries. I remember being surprised when I learned that too. Welcome and thanks!

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

Nice video. I know LHHT well. I found your channel while watching frozen video

[@uptrail7169]

Tim is a great guy with an awesome channel! Good Luck with your AT thru-hike!! Bob

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Hey, welcome! It was a fun area. I'll definitely be back.

[@floesh-408]

Hi from Holland! Enjoyed this video, liked and subscribed.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Hi and welcome!

[@kennethnied5242]

Nicely done, Tim. A few too many "awesomes," but another of your trail videos is always a treat. I wasn't quite sure where the Laurel Highlands was located until you mentioned crossing the ski slopes. Last July we stayed at the 7 Springs Mountain Resort for the World Boardgaming Championships. No skiers then, obviously, and it rained fairly often. Instead, the ski lift was available to ferry mountain bikers to the top and careen down the slope. It seemed then like a nice area to hike.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! I was just so excited to be out on the trail again after two months of illness and bugs here and there. Yea, hiking across Seven Springs was a surreal experience but the area is pretty.

[@MG-ze3lf]

Was there a few weeks ago doing a dayhike. Was getting pelted with sleet, snow and rain for hours. We had a great time though. You get to western PA again give me a shout. I'll grab a hike with you somewhere.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea I follow the LHHT group on facebook and it's fun to watch how everything changes.

[@MG-ze3lf]

That's PA weather for ya lol.

[@billyjoedenny]

oh man that was a great trip tim, take care of that knee .. ..bill

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Bill it was a fun trip. The knee is good. Thankfully I didn't do anything major. It's pretty much at 99% now. I leave the 1% because I'm not in my 20s. :D

[@pulitz09]

I really enjoyed the hymn as well. You mentioned that you would change a couple of things with the O.V. bag. Do you mind sharing what the are? Thank you.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Adam. The bag has has some major updates since I was sent it to test to address the issues (I emailed them after this trip). The three big things were the amount of loft in the bag (I was chilled the first night before the fire kicked in) and the zipper was awful. Caught and snagged every time I pulled it. They replaced it with a YKK anti snag zipper. I also don't care for their style of draft collar in the bag. It's a very thick draw cord with a cord lock that was positioned weirdly for me...seemed too low.

[@brianneal4597]

Nice hike, Tim. Got a good warm glove recommendation?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks. I used the Dakine Scout this trip. No complaints so far. The combination of liner and outer insulation was nice. Hands never felt cold even on the bitter first day.

[@DragonRoams]

Looks like a nice trip. Welcome to PA Tim.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks! It was was fun time.

[@sectionhiking1470]

Great hike!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@BCloudMark]

Singing needs a bit of work but looks like it was a great trip! 🙌🏼

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Boo! lol. Thanks bro it was a good time.

[@TACHILL]

So many different types of terrain in this video. Didnt do the poll cause idk who shug is... glad your knee wasnt injured bro. Though imo you did the best thing you could and kept walking on it instead of babying it. Sing on brother sing on haha

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ahh, shug is the youtube hammock guru. He's also a clown. Seriously, he's literally a clown. :) Thanks brother! The knee is pretty much all good now. No lingering issues thank God.

[@waterdude21236]

I see the resembling features of you and shug now that you metion it..... lol. What trail head did you start at and finish

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol, started at 271 and ended at 653 parking lot.

[@paulhodge855]

You don’t look like Shug. You look like Thorny from Super Troopers. My favorite character from that movie.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha, I get that alot.

[@Stoep-zt4lb]

nice video !

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

thanks!

[@eodnavigator]

Another great vid, Tim! Thanks! What does water treated with AM taste like?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

A little chemically but honestly not as bad as I was expecting. The guys had mio drops to help mask the taste but it wasn't necessary for me. And, thanks!

[@bereantrb]

Interesting to see this beautiful terrain in PA compared to the rocky stretches AT thru hikers curse.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

It was still rockier than most trails I'd been on (some Smokies trails would rival it) but it was pretty.

[@Greggsvlog]

You just got a sub out of that hymn!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed. :)

[@ErnieB34]

Hate when the weather throws you a loop and you lose a sawyer filter. Been there done that too many damn times! I'm from Colorado and it happens more times than I'd like to admit. The temp just drops and there goes your filter.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea I was surprised at how quickly that thing froze.

[@samsmith8870]

What size xtherm do you use in your hammock?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Large (not the rectangular max).

[@garyontheat1850]

Hyped!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

It's real!

[@alexwbanks70]

It's kinda weird watching the same trip from different tubers. Funny how everyone else shuts up when the other is filming. I've never used a pad in my hammock but I noticed you did. Do you never use an underquilt?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha, it was fun. I think we got into the groove of filming together after the first hour. Before that I was wondering how similar our videos were gonna be. I rarely use an underquilt any more. I got into the habit practicing for the possibility of no/little trees out West and realized I was comfortable using it. The versatility to go to the ground if I need to appeals to me. Like this trip being able to sleep in the shelter was nice. One terrible night in a Smokies shelter convinced me that I needed to upgrade my pad and have that option.

[@alexwbanks70]

I get it now. OK I've always been a ground dweller and just last fall got my full hammock setup, including the quilts. I just heard that its not comfortable with a pad so didn't even try it. Well this weekend I'm going to Wayne and I'm going to try it because being versatile is brilliant on your part. One other thing is if it does get really cold, moving to the ground is much easier to stay warm. Only one thing I'm worried about with my pad though, its a large rectangular thermarest neoair. I notice you have the mummy shape thermarest which probably fits in the hammock better.

[@alexwbanks70]

Oh BTW I'm hiking the JMT in two years. JMT=Ground Dweller

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, it works but it's not as comfortable as an UQ for sure. The rectangular one might still work, depends on how wide your hammock is... Being a back sleeper helps alot for me. Side is ok BUT stomach would seem impossible.

[@uptrail7169]

first!👍😀

[@uptrail7169]

Laurel Highlands was the perfect area for you guys to meet! You started out with the cold and snow warming up over the days to bare ground. I liked how you showed the hammock and tent setups! This was a fun video to watch with a great group of KZbin friends. We will meet and camp together someday! I'm still laughing about how we camped next to each other at Pictured Rocks not knowing it!!😂Great Video!👍😀

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yea, I think the LHHT was perfect for a meetup. We had quite the range of weather and yes it's so bizarre that we camped next to each other and didn't know.

[@alexwbanks70]

OK now to watch Meerkat's

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

👍

[@olyo86]

Wheres the skis???

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! We needed them!

[@mikekilborn7718]

I could've used more cow bell

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

We could all use more of that. :D

[@Ranger24]

If cheating = nice fire all night, then I'm a cheating man.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Haha! It was awesome.

[@SalineScott]

Can’t believe you ditched the josh’s. I’m going to have to unsubscribe. Lol. (Kidding). Looked like a great trip. The Josh’s missed it. Lol. Looked like a great trip. Wait. Gotta finnish watching it. You’re breathing hard.

[@SalineScott]

Even at 27 mins

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Lol, there was some hard breathing in spots for sure. No josh could make it!!

[@JerryDugan]

No spoiler alert?! LOL!

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

Nice adventure and hike!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Justin!